Police Crack Down on Illegal Streaming Devices in Lenasia Raid

A police raid in Lenasia has exposed one of Johannesburg’s underground hubs for illegal entertainment streaming, as authorities confiscated hundreds of Android TV boxes loaded with pirated content worth over R500,000.

The Raid That Exposed A Digital Crime Network

Led by the Hawks in collaboration with crime intelligence and MultiChoice, the raid took place last week after months of investigation. Police executed a search-and-seizure warrant on the suspect’s property, uncovering a stash of streaming boxes, cables, USBs, and a laptop used to distribute pirated content from platforms like DStv and other international streaming services.

According to MultiChoice, the suspect had been on their radar since July 2025 for allegedly selling “loaded” Android devices offering premium content without subscription fees. The man was arrested for violating multiple sections of the Cybercrimes Act and appeared in the Soweto Magistrate’s Court last Thursday. His case has since been postponed for further investigation.

MultiChoice Tightens Its Grip On Piracy

The crackdown forms part of MultiChoice’s ongoing battle against digital piracya problem that continues to threaten South Africa’s entertainment economy. Tobias Maja, the company’s senior Africa piracy manager at its cybersecurity subsidiary Irdeto, said the operation represents “steady progress” in dismantling content theft networks.

“Piracy harms local content creators, broadcasters, and the wider creative economy. We are aggressively fighting to protect the industry at large,” Maja said in a statement following the raid.

MultiChoice has been working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Intellectual Property Group to identify and shut down similar illegal operations nationwide.

Why Digital Piracy Hits Close To Home

Pirated streaming boxes have surged in popularity across South Africa, offering cheap access to movies, sports, and seriesoften at the expense of the country’s creative industry. In communities like Lenasia, where affordable entertainment options are limited, some users see these devices as a cheaper alternative, unaware of the legal risks or broader consequences.

Industry analysts warn that the long-term impact of piracy extends far beyond profit loss for big broadcasters. It affects everyone from camera operators to makeup artists who depend on legitimate production revenue to sustain their livelihoods.

{Source:Tech Central}

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